Fraud prevention
Kurdistan Region, federal government collaborate on tourism regulation
ERBIL – The tourism authorities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq have agreed to collaborate and establish agreements on several key issues following a series of meetings in Erbil. The primary focus of these discussions has been on enhancing tourist safety and preventing fraud.
Amal Jalal, head of the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board, reported to 964media that a consensus was reached with Iraq’s tourism department to streamline safety measures and dismantle barriers for tourists traveling between the Kurdistan Region and other Iraqi governorates.
Jalal pointed out instances where unauthorized Iraqi tour companies misled tourists. She explained that tourists were initially told the cost of a tour would be 40,000 Iraqi Dinars ($31), but were later charged 400,000 IQD ($305). “These activities do not have any affiliation with the Kurdistan Region’s Tourism Board or its authorized tour companies,” she added.
In response, both tourism departments have agreed to draft a list of approved and licensed companies that will be allowed to operate through checkpoints with official permissions.
Additionally, it has been agreed that any tour group traveling from Iraq to the Kurdistan Region must be accompanied by a Kurdish tour guide. Jalal stressed the importance of this measure, noting that it ensures tourists receive accurate information about the region’s history, culture, and attractions.
Previously, the Kurdistan Tourism Board had urged the Iraqi government to take action against unauthorized travel agencies that it accused of deceiving tourists from Iraq’s southern and central governorates.
Ibrahim Abdulmajid, the spokesperson for the Tourism Board, told 964media about the numerous complaints they have received from Iraqi tourists regarding fraud. “Tourists claim that these companies do not provide the hotel accommodations or meals that were promised,” Abdulmajid explained.
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